Defence and security company Saab has signed a contract with Peel Ports, a leading port group in the UK, for the installation of Saab’s Vessel Traffic Management Services (VTMS) system. The system will be deployed across the UK and is scheduled to be operational by September 2016.

Saab will build a new-state-of-the-art VTMS control centre in Liverpool, designed to track vessels in real time across five major UK ports. These include Peel Port’s harbours in Clydeport, Heysham, Medway, Liverpool and Manchester Ship Canal. Radars will be upgraded to the latest technology and sensors will be installed in each port as part of the deal.

“This will be the first time a UK port operator will integrate a vessel management system across multiple ports with this level of combined services or interoperability. Various solutions, such as Saab’s TactiCall communications system, R40 AIS base stations and V3000 VTMS come together to provide shipping companies the swiftest service in getting their cargo from the ship onto the next inland transport system. This will add to the attractiveness and profitability of participating ports,” said Anders Carp, head of business unit Traffic Management, Saab.

The Saab VTMS system will allow controllers to accurately guide vessel traffic under all visibility conditions, even when ports are very busy.

The system receives real-time information from latest design radars, AIS and CCTV sensors and combines the information into a consistent traffic overview of all vessel movements. With back-up working positions in each port, the design allows traffic to be managed from any operations office, giving the flexibility to efficiently schedule rotations for operators. This design also makes the system highly resistant to outages.

The resilient design also benefits the communications system, the most essential part of any VTMS. Ship’s masters approaching Peel Ports’ waterways can count on efficient support 24/7, 365 days a year.

“This significant investment in customer service will enable the Statutory Harbour Authorities of Ardrossan, Clydeport, Heysham, Liverpool, Manchester and Sheerness to further advance safety and efficiency of all aspects of Vessel Traffic Management,”said Gary Hodgson, COO of Peel Ports.

Saab’s V3000 VTMS is already installed in more than 70 traffic centres worldwide, including the ports of Rotterdam, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Dubai, as well as along the Scheldt River and Europe’s busiest inland waterway, Waal.

Saab serves the global market with world-leading products, services and solutions within military defence and civil security. Saab has operations and employees on all continents around the world. Through innovative, collaborative and pragmatic thinking, Saab develops, adopts and improves new technology to meet customers’ changing needs.

About Peel Ports

Peel Ports is strategically located to serve the whole of the United Kingdom. Five major gateways from Clydeport to Medway handle a broad spectrum of international trade amounting to more than 65 million tonnes of cargo a year. At the centre of the country and the heart of the Group are the Port of Liverpool and the Manchester Ship Canal, now one continuous water highway forming a single port facility of major strategic significance forged under the banner of Peel Ports.

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